Deadline Set as Musicians Respond

The dispute between the Louisville Orchestra and its musicians has reached a crucial stage. At a hearing Tuesday morning in bankruptcy court, a federal judge set a deadline of June 13th for the musicians to submit objections to the financial disclosure statement filed on Monday by Louisville Orchestra, Inc. The statement outlines how the orchestra will pay off its debts and structure its business to continue operating in the black.

Outside the courtroom, several of Orchestra’s musicians talked about how the situation looks to them: Their collective bargaining agreement with the orchestra expires at midnight tonight – after that, they will all be officially unemployed. The musicians will lose their health insurance and their pay, though they will be eligible for unemployment benefits.

One said he had his last paycheck in his pocket. Another said she’d just put a for-sale sign in her front yard.

A spokesperson for the musicians said another issue for the group is instrument insurance. Some of the musicians play instruments whose value tops six figures. As of midnight, those instruments will no longer be insured against theft or damage.

No negotiations are scheduled between the musicians and the Louisville Orchestra, though the restructuring plan sets aside funds for the new season.